The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) is encouraging local government units (LGUs) to take advantage of local government funds to implement agriculture-related projects that can improve their livelihoods.
This after DBM identified the lack of financial support for docking areas for fishing boats as one of the top concerns for fiscal year 2025.
“Farmers can receive essential planting materials and seeds as a benefit from buying stations where they can sell their produce at fair prices. There’s also assistance for research and training, helping farmers and fisherfolk learn new techniques to increase productivity and efficiency,” said DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman during the Stakeholder Engagement and Consultation for Meaningful Integration of National Government and LGUs’ Agenda (SEC-MINA) held in Cebu City.
DBM disclosed that the approved budget allocation for agriculture this year amounts to P211.3 billion covering the Department of Agriculture and its attached agencies, and P175.7 billion for economic programs in farming, fisheries, forestry, and hunting.
The DBM official said that farmers and fisherfolk can get production assistance to ensure that they have the necessary inputs for crops, livestock, poultry, and fisheries.
Pangandaman emphasized that infrastructure is another key priority that will further boost the agriculture sector.
“Funds can be used to build and upgrade farm-to-market roads, slaughterhouses, fishponds, more water-impounded projects, and water systems to make farming and fishing operations smoother and more sustainable,” she added.
She also proposed to LGUs to engage with the Department of Agriculture and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to provide financial education for farmers and fisherfolk.
The SEC-MINA event served as a crucial platform for LGUs, civil society organizations, local planning and development coordinators, and national government representatives to enhance collaboration, align national and local priorities, and advance participatory governance.
Pangandaman said the public financial management is part of the solution for an effective and collaborative effort of the stakeholders, together with the national government agencies, LGUs and the citizens.
“We value your insights, which are critical in refining policies and budget priorities so that government interventions remain responsive, evidence-based, and impactful,” she said. (PIA)